Logistics Management Course

Lesson 1 • Logistics Performance Metrics Basics

Introduces key performance indicators used to evaluate logistics effectiveness. Establishes a measurement mindset applied in every subsequent chapter.

Lesson 2 • Defining Logistics and Its Scope

Establishes the boundaries of logistics management within business operations. Connects historical evolution to modern integrated supply chain thinking.

Lesson 3 • Core Logistics Functions and Actors

Identifies the primary functions and stakeholders that drive logistics systems. Provides the actor map students will reference throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Supply Chain Risk in Network Design

Introduces risk identification at the network design stage. Students learn to build resilience into structural decisions before operations begin.

Lesson 2 • Supply Chain Network Mapping

Teaches techniques for visualizing end-to-end supply chain structures. Connects actor knowledge from Chapter 1 to network-level analysis.

Lesson 3 • Demand Characteristics and Network Impact

Analyzes how demand variability and seasonality shape network decisions. Builds the demand-awareness foundation needed for inventory and forecasting chapters.

Lesson 4 • Network Design Principles

Covers facility location, number of nodes, and distribution channel selection. Students apply trade-off analysis to design cost-effective networks.

Lesson 1 • Carrier Management and Procurement

Addresses carrier selection, contracting, and relationship management. Builds procurement skills that integrate with supplier management concepts.

Lesson 2 • Transportation Compliance and Documentation

Covers mandatory shipping documents and regulatory compliance requirements. Ensures students can manage legal and customs obligations across transport modes.

Lesson 3 • Transportation Modes and Selection

Compares road, rail, air, sea, and pipeline modes on cost, speed, and capacity. Equips students to match mode to shipment requirements.

Lesson 4 • Routing and Load Planning

Covers vehicle routing, load consolidation, and dispatch planning techniques. Students apply optimization logic to reduce cost and improve delivery reliability.

Lesson 1 • Warehouse Performance Management

Establishes KPIs and continuous improvement frameworks for warehouse operations. Students apply labor productivity and cost-per-unit metrics to drive improvement.

Lesson 2 • Receiving and Put-Away Processes

Details inbound logistics workflows from dock receipt to storage location. Establishes accuracy and speed standards that affect downstream picking.

Lesson 3 • Warehouse Design and Layout

Covers space utilization, flow path design, and storage system selection. Connects network node decisions from Chapter 2 to operational facility planning.

Lesson 4 • Order Picking and Fulfillment Methods

Compares discrete, batch, zone, and wave picking strategies. Students select methods based on order profile and throughput requirements.

Lesson 1 • Sales and Operations Planning Process

Structures the S&OP cycle to align demand, supply, and financial plans. Students facilitate cross-functional consensus and translate plans into logistics actions.

Lesson 2 • Demand Sensing and Short-Cycle Planning

Introduces real-time demand signal processing for short-horizon adjustments. Connects forecasting accuracy to responsive replenishment and transportation planning.

Lesson 3 • Forecasting Fundamentals and Error Metrics

Introduces forecasting concepts, data requirements, and accuracy measurement. Establishes the error metrics used to evaluate all forecasting methods.

Lesson 4 • Quantitative Forecasting Methods

Covers moving averages, exponential smoothing, and trend-adjusted models. Students apply and compare methods using historical demand data.

Lesson 1 • Inventory Visibility and Control Systems

Examines technology and processes that maintain real-time inventory visibility. Prepares students for digital tools covered in the technology chapter.

Lesson 2 • Replenishment Models and Policies

Covers fixed-order quantity, fixed-interval, and min-max replenishment systems. Students select and parameterize models for different inventory segments.

Lesson 3 • Inventory Classification and Analysis

Applies ABC and XYZ analysis to segment inventory by value and demand variability. Provides the classification foundation for all subsequent control decisions.

Lesson 4 • Inventory Costs and Trade-Offs

Quantifies ordering, holding, and stockout costs to frame replenishment decisions. Students use cost trade-off logic to justify inventory policy choices.

Lesson 1 • Purchase Order and Replenishment Execution

Details the purchase order lifecycle from creation to receipt confirmation. Connects procurement execution to inventory replenishment models from Chapter 5.

Lesson 2 • Supplier Performance Management

Establishes supplier scorecards, review cadences, and improvement programs. Builds long-term supplier relationships that reduce risk and drive continuous improvement.

Lesson 3 • Sourcing Strategy and Make-or-Buy Decisions

Frames strategic sourcing decisions using total cost of ownership and core competency analysis. Establishes the strategic context for all procurement activities.

Lesson 4 • Negotiation and Contracting

Teaches negotiation preparation, tactics, and contract structure for supply agreements. Students draft key contract terms that protect supply continuity and cost targets.

Lesson 1 • Total Logistics Cost Management

Applies activity-based costing to identify and reduce total logistics spend. Students build cost models that span transportation, warehousing, and inventory.

Lesson 2 • Continuous Improvement in Logistics

Applies Lean, Six Sigma, and PDCA methodologies to logistics process improvement. Students lead structured improvement projects using data from prior chapters.

Lesson 3 • Strategic Logistics Roadmap Development

Guides students through building a multi-year logistics improvement roadmap. Integrates capability gaps, investment priorities, and change management into a single plan.

Lesson 4 • Aligning Logistics with Business Strategy

Links logistics capability decisions to corporate competitive strategy. Students translate business objectives into logistics service and cost targets.